Paying in China: overseas cards, Alipay, Weixin Pay and cash

The 2026 official guidance supports registration with an international phone number. Card eligibility also depends on the card network, issuing bank and product.

1. Install Alipay or WeChat from its official distribution channel and register with your phone number.
2. Complete identity verification as requested, using your passport details for the foreign-visitor process.
3. Link an eligible overseas card and complete the issuing bank’s verification.
4. Confirm that the card was linked successfully and review payment settings before your trip.

Alipay has an English interface. Its card settings are under Me → Bank Cards. Follow the current on-screen process to link an eligible card.

• To pay, scan the merchant’s payment QR code and confirm the amount.
• Alternatively, show your payment code for the cashier to scan.

In WeChat, card settings are under Me → Services → Wallet → Bank Cards. Follow the prompts to enable payment and add an eligible overseas card.

• At checkout, scan the merchant’s payment code or let the cashier scan your payment code.
• Supported card networks and the final eligibility of your card should be checked in the app.

A linked overseas card can carry a payment-service fee. Review the amount displayed before confirming the transaction. Your card issuer may separately charge for currency conversion or international use.

Check the effective limit of your own verified account and card. The Taiwan-specific figures in the Chinese checklist are not used as the limit for a foreign-passport account.

These options can be useful when a phone-based payment is unavailable. Confirm the applicable exchange rate and charges with the provider.

• For a physical card, look for the card-network logos at the checkout and ask whether the terminal accepts your card.
• You can obtain renminbi through authorised exchange services or compatible ATMs using international cards.
• Some overseas e-wallets work at participating mainland merchants. Check the wallet’s China coverage and the merchant’s acceptance logo before relying on it.

1. Read the error in the app and check the selected card, account verification and transaction limit.
2. If card linking or authorisation fails, contact the payment platform or your card issuer using its official support channel.
3. Ask whether the merchant accepts another payment method, such as a card terminal or renminbi cash.
4. Keep your other payment method and verification-number access available while resolving the problem.

请问可以刷境外银行卡，或者付现金吗？

For a larger purchase, confirm payment acceptance with the store and review the fee before checkout. If you also want a tax refund, confirm product eligibility and the application process before paying.